Historic Winning Streak for the Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have accomplished an astounding feat by winning 16 consecutive games, placing them on the cusp of NHL history. Just one victory away from tying the league’s longest winning streak, the Oilers' high-powered offense and stingy defense have become the focal point of discussions around the league.
During their recent contest against the Nashville Predators, Oilers' superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continued to showcase their exceptional talent by each recording one goal and two assists, contributing to the team's solid 4-1 victory. Other pivotal players in the game included Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, who also found the back of the net, providing the necessary firepower to secure the win.
One can't overlook the contribution of goaltender Stuart Skinner, who made an impressive 28 saves, simultaneously setting a new franchise record with 12 consecutive wins—a testament to the team’s defensive performance this season. The Oilers have earned the distinction of allowing the fewest goals in the NHL, a critical factor in their ongoing success.
Challenges Ahead
In contrast, the Predators have had their struggles, losing three of their last four outings, which indicates a potential vulnerability that the Oilers capitalized on. The Oilers’ offense pounced midway through the first period by converting on a power play, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.
The remarkable story within the winning streak is the continued excellence of Leon Draisaitl, who not only provided a standout performance in the latest game but also achieved his 800th career point, becoming the fourth-fastest player in league history to reach this milestone.
Collectively, McDavid and Draisaitl have been nothing short of phenomenal, amassing a combined total of 28 goals and 76 assists so far this season. Their individual accolades include successful campaigns for the Hart Memorial Trophy, with Draisaitl winning in 2020, and McDavid claiming the honor in 2017, 2021, and again in 2023.
With their 16th straight win, the Oilers have matched the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second-longest winning streak in NHL history. The ultimate record, a 17-game victorious run, was set by the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 1992-93 season—an achievement the Oilers hope to equal or surpass.
Looking Forward
Marking their calendars, fans and sports commentators alike look forward to the Oilers' next game on February 6th against the Vegas Golden Knights—a matchup that may determine whether the Oilers can etch their name alongside the storied Penguins in the record books.
The origins of this remarkable streak can be traced back to December 21st, when the Oilers defeated the New York Islanders. Although the team has gone 15-0-1 during the streak, their outstanding performance over their last 27 games is even more impressive, boasting a 24-3-0 record.
In a showcase of their consistent defensive prowess, the Oilers established a new franchise record by holding opponents to two goals or fewer in 14 consecutive games—a critical component of their relentless pursuit of victory.
A Team Effort
Reflecting on their recent performances, McDavid stated, "This past week wasn’t our best hockey and we found a way to get three wins, which is a great sign. We’ve gotten great goaltending, the back end has been good, the kill has been amazing, those are all good things." This admission emphasizes not only the team’s grit and resiliency but also their ability to persevere through adversity.
Draisaitl echoed this sentiment, recognizing the collective efforts that have underpinned this historic run. "It takes a lot of good efforts and a lot of good games to get to that number. We have been a bit sloppy the last three games but have obviously had some individual performances that have gotten us the wins. You need that sometimes too. It’s been a great stretch for us," Draisaitl said.
The Edmonton Oilers continue to carve their path toward NHL history, demonstrating a blend of individual brilliance and cohesive team play. As fans and foes alike watch with bated breath, the Oilers are poised to chase down a record that has stood for nearly three decades. Their pursuit is not merely about winning games but about etching their 2023 squad into the annals of hockey lore forever.